Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites: Make-Ahead Appetizer

Crispy bacon wrapped stuffing balls made with Stove Top or homemade stuffing. An easy make-ahead holiday appetizer or Thanksgiving side everyone loves!

A few years ago, we attended a Christmas dinner potluck hosted by a sweet couple from Ireland. As the turkey roasted, the hostess smiled and told us she prepared it and the stuffing “the Irish way.”

We didn’t know what that meant — until we saw the turkey come out of the oven covered in bacon – and the stuffing shaped into balls and covered in bacon, too!

That first taste of bacon-topped turkey completely won us over. Ever since that night, I’ve added a little Irish twist to our own family dinners — and that’s how these bacon-wrapped stuffing bites were born.

They’re perfect as a make-ahead appetizer or as a side dish for your holiday feast. Once you try them, I think you’ll agree — bacon really does make everything better!

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites

• Combines everyone’s two favorite things — bacon + stuffing!
• Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potlucks.
• Make ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Works with either homemade or boxed stuffing.
• Can double as a side dish or finger food appetizer.

Ingredients for this recipe

For exact measurements and instructions, check out the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Prepared stuffing (old fashioned stuffing or Stove Top)
• Bacon slices
• Nonstick spray or parchment paper (I don’t line stoneware pans, but I would line all other types of pans for this.)
  Tip: Stove Top stuffing works perfectly for a shortcut — 3 cups prepared makes about 12 bites!

Step by Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites

(For all the detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Helpful Tips When Making This Recipe

• You can make these stuffing bites the day ahead, cover them, and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Try to make the bites approximately the same size so they cook evenly.
• The leftover bacon from this recipe can be laid over the top of the turkey before putting it in the oven, too. This is the “Irish way”!:)
• I prefer to use a stoneware pan for this recipe. If you use a glass dish, increase your baking time as it seems to cook slower in glass and takes longer to crisp up.
• I wanted ours a little extra crispy, so I turned the oven up to 400 degrees for part of the time. Just keep an eye on it until it is just the right crispy-ness for you!
• Flip them over halfway through cooking time for even cooking.
• Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to get that perfect crispness.

Substitutions and Variations for Bacon wrapped stuffing bites

• You can stir in some dried cranberries into the stuffing for a sweet bite.
• Stick appetizer toothpicks into each of the stuffing bites and serve as an appetizer with homemade cranberry sauce (or canned) on the side.

Grandma Rita’s Kitchen Tips

Put all your favorite holiday recipes in one handy place so you can find them easily when a holiday rolls around. I’ve given you a head start to make that step easier! I put together a holiday dinner guide that has 29 classic holiday recipes – perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Grab yourself and copy and add your own notes and favorite recipes to it!

What to serve with this recipe

These pair beautifully with:

• Roast turkey with bacon or ham
• Baked carrot casserole
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Bread machine dinner rolls

Or serve them as part of an appetizer spread alongside cheese trays, veggie platters (this charcuterie Christmas tree is fun!), or a Christmas cookies charcuterie.

Don’t lose track of this recipe! Save it on Pinterest so it’s ready when you need it. Follow me on Pinterest for even more meal ideas and inspiration for your home.